Sunday, November 29
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
I give thanks … for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:4)
Welcome to Advent! Whether it’s your first time entering this holy season or your ninetieth, be assured that God, your heavenly Father, is eager to bestow His grace on you.
As Paul says in today’s second reading, God has already poured His grace on you. He has given you access to every spiritual gift as you wait for Jesus to reveal himself to you (1 Corinthians 1:7). And God wants to do even more. He wants you to have a great Advent! He wants to make this season into a time for you to grow closer to Him and come to know him better.
That doesn’t necessarily mean these days before Christmas will be easy. Your faith might deepen, or you might receive unexpected blessings. But you might also experience hardship or setbacks. Yet no matter what happens, God will reward whatever effort you put into your Advent preparations. That’s because He wants nothing more than for you to deepen your relationship with. Jesus. That’s the grace God is offering you this season.
So dig in! Start by committing to spend more time in prayer this month. Use this magazine to read the Mass readings and meditations with an open heart. Participate in the life of your parish, maybe through Eucharistic Adoration or a service project. Pick up a spiritual book or do an Advent Bible study to develop your understanding of your faith.
Above everything else, be hopeful: “God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with His Son” (1 Corinthians 1:9). That’s what this season is all about.
“Father, I want to experience Your blessing as I wait and watch and prepare this Advent.”
Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Mark 13:33-37
Daily Reflections from “The Word Among Us”
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No ownership is implied
Our Hymns:
O Come Divine Messiah
O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Anna Hawkins
I Am the Bread of Life / Yo soy el pan de vida – University of Notre Dame Folk Choir
In the Bleak Midwinter – David Phelps
